This paper embeds the financial accelerator into a medium-scale DSGE model and estimates it using Bayesian methods. Incorporation of financial frictions enhances the model's description of the main macroeconomic aggregates. The financial accelerator accounts for approximately ten percent of...

We analyze the trade-offs faced by a monetary policy authority when a value added tax rate is increased. In the short run, such an increase acts as a cost push shock from the perspective of a central bank that is concerned with stabilizing the welfare relevant output gap. We develop a New...

A number of studies have documented a reduction in aggregate macroeconomic volatility beginning in the early 1980s. Using an empirical model of business cycles, we extend this line of research to state-level employment data, find significant heterogeneity in the timing and magnitude of the...

This paper uses bayesian techniques to estimate a small-scale two country model based on the Euro Area and the U.S. data. The model, based on the New Open Economy Macroeconomics framework, is microfounded and characterized by nominal price rigidities, a nontradable sector, home bias in...

Several models have been proposed to study the dynamics of competition between languages. Among them, and starting from the dynamics of endangered languages, recent approaches have addressed the issue of bilingualism. Along these lines we consider the dynamics of language use, allowing for...

The method of maximum likelihood is used to estimate a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium business cycle model that combines elements of existing sticky-price and limited-participation specifications. Sticky prices are incorporated, following Rotemberg (1982), by assuming that...

We investigate co-movements in inflation dynamics within and across euro area regions and find it important for monetary policy to monitor regional inflation dynamics to enhance the understanding of aggregate inflation. We employ a model where regional inflation dynamics are explained by common...

In this paper we investigate the sources of the important shifts in the volatility of U.S. macroeconomic variables in the postwar period. To this end, we propose the estimation of DSGE models allowing for time variation in the volatility of the structural innovations. We apply our estimation...

We examine linear-quadratic (LQ) approximation of stochastic dynamic optimization problems in macroeconomics (and elsewhere), in particular in policy analysis using Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. We first define the problem that is solved by a social planner, given that...

Recent policy proposals call for setting up a benchmark indexed bond market to prevent "Sudden Stops". This paper analyzes the macroeconomic implications of these bonds using a general equilibrium model of a small open economy with financial frictions. In the absence of indexed bonds, negative...